How To Fix HRPSGB_ABS031 - First character of an absence grouping must be an 'S', 'M', or '.'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HRPSGB_ABS -

• Message number: 031

• Message text: First character of an absence grouping must be an 'S', 'M', or '.'

What causes this issue?

You tried to enter an absence category that was not either SMP'able,
SSP'able or neither (i.e. the first character is an 'S', 'M' or '.')

System Response

It is not possible to enter such a value. The customising in T5A4P,
absence subtype categories must be incorrect.

How to fix this error?

The first character of the absence grouping (absence subtype category)
is for SSP/SMP processing.
'S' implies that ANY absence in this category will receive Statutory
Sickness Payment.
'M' implies that ANY absence in this category will receive Statutory
Maternity Payment.
'.' implies that ANY absence in this category will receive neither
Statutory Sickness Payment or Statutory Maternity Payment.
The allowed values are customised in T5A4P, Absence Subtype Categories
and added to the Absence Subtypes in T554S in the field ABSTY. The
incorrect customising of these fields will lead to the mis-payment of
SSP and SMP.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HRPSGB_ABS031 - First character of an absence grouping must be an 'S', 'M', or '.' ?

  The SAP error message HRPSGB_ABS031 indicates that there is an issue with the absence grouping in the Human Resources module, specifically related to the configuration of absence types. This error typically arises when the first character of an absence grouping does not conform to the expected values, which are 'S' (sick leave), 'M' (maternity leave), or '.' (for other types of absence).
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The absence grouping may have been incorrectly configured in the system. The first character must be one of the specified values ('S', 'M', or '.').
  Data Entry Error: There may be a data entry error where an absence type was incorrectly defined or modified.
  Custom Development: If there are custom developments or enhancements in the system, they may not adhere to the expected format for absence groupings.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Absence Grouping Configuration:
  
  Navigate to the configuration settings for absence types in the SAP system (usually found in the IMG under Personnel Management > Time Management > Absences).
  Verify that the absence types are correctly defined and that the first character of the absence grouping is either 'S', 'M', or '.'.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry:
  
  If the error is due to a specific entry, review the absence record that triggered the error. Ensure that the absence type is correctly assigned and that it follows the required format.
  
  
  
  Review Custom Code:
  
  If there are any custom programs or enhancements that interact with absence types, review the code to ensure it adheres to the expected format for absence groupings.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary corrections, test the changes by attempting to create or modify an absence record to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on absence types and their configurations.
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to check employee absence records and SPRO to access the configuration settings.
  Support: If the issue persists after checking configurations and data entries, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the HRPSGB_ABS031 error and ensure that absence groupings are correctly configured in your SAP system.